massage and bodywork professionals
a community of practitioners
The purpose of this group is to invite massage educators to network and dialogue regarding issues related to massage therapy education.
Members: 323
Latest Activity: Jun 2, 2016
Started by Ariana Vincent, LMT, MTI, BCTMB Jun 2, 2016.
Started by Ariana Vincent, LMT, MTI, BCTMB. Last reply by Noel Norwick May 26, 2014.
Started by Ariana Vincent, LMT, MTI, BCTMB May 6, 2014.
Comment
Wonderful "ah-ha" Kris, and thank you for bringing this into the light.
We can create that sacred space anyplace indeed!
For each class I teach, I go in prior to the students- either the night before or in the morning - sometimes I bring sage ( mind the smoke detectors folks, they get set off easily! lol ) and other good things in to clear, balance and charge the room. I also have my aromatherapy blend diffusing, and music on. When they walk in that door they feel the energy difference in the room immediately. I invite them to be present and do some breathwork and stretching to bring everyone into focus, and then open all the heart chakras in the group. I encourage my students to always create a sacred space too, and how to do so. Very very important! Namaste'~
Thank you so much for sharing this. Nice to know I am not alone here. I have implemented this concept into my classroom over the past few years because of a need to get the student's attention. I teach night students and they come in after a super hectic day of working, caring for children and family, and getting little to no rest at night due to the demands of personal life and school. Balance is just something that becomes a sacrifice for them during their school career. I didn't like seeing them so distraught and often times felt like I was teaching them to create a healing space for their clients when they had NO IDEA how to create a healing space for themselves. Here are a few things I do that help them learn this skill:
1. The first 15 minutes of each class day is set aside for a grounding activity, designed to get them "here" and in the present moment. Some days we just talk it out. I check in and give them an opportunity to share the highlights of their day. Sometimes, I will share mine. Reminds them that I am a real person too. Other days, we do something called a "jumpstart" activity, which may include one or two simple questions they should discuss with a partner about the lesson we are working on. Not a grade, no pressure. Just warms them up and gets them in the right state of mind. I also use journaling as a way to set the pace for the class too.
2. During stressful periods in the curriculum and before they start their clinicals each day, I lead a yoga/breathing/meditation/self care class. They get to put on their "comfy clothes" and take some time for themselves while learning the importance of these exercises for their clients too. (a video will work for this if you do not want to lead the exercises yourself)
3. Listening to music in the classroom when they are working on an independent assignment.
4. Writing classroom objectives on the board while the students write them with you and then discussing. Sets the tone for the day and helps keep the classroom organized.
I enjoyed reading your comment and sharing these ideas with you!
© 2024 Created by ABMP. Powered by
You need to be a member of Massage Educators to add comments!